On the spring/summer 2025 runways, there was a tale of two halves. Yes, all of the pastels and romantic pieces you might expect for spring were present, but we'd be wrong to ignore the sheer number of boxy suits, deep tones and practical staplestoo; so what does this polarising combination mean for our wardrobes?
Well, after taking a thorough look through dozens of 2025 shows and the street style of social media's best dressed, it was easy to spot the same recurring pieces, colours and themes that I'm convinced will come to define this spring. From the colour expected to replace chocolate brown to the revival of a controversial print trend, these are the key looks that will take your outfits from 2024 into this new year.
1. BUTTER YELLOW
Style Notes: After 2023's spicy reds and 2024's deep cocoa browns, we're looking for something with a little more lift to bring some vibrancy back to our wardrobes. Pastels might not be considered groundbreaking for spring, but following last year's summer blackout, sunshine yellow is right on time to give us a much-needed dose of dopamine after what felt like the longest January on record. People may shrink from the thought of such a punchy shade, but yellow is one of those colours that make the wearer feel instantly happier, whether worn head-to-toe or as just a pop.
We find "butter" to be the perfect hue as it encapsulates everything from light and creamy buttermilk yellow right through to warm daffodil, so if this is your first time experimenting with colour, rest assured that there's a shade to suit every skin tone.
How To Wear It: Yellow looks best with equally fresh colours, but we've seen it paired with white accessories more often than not. Think yellow knits over white tank tops, dresses with white bags or sunny shirts with ecru denim.
2. BUSINESS-CASUAL
Style Notes: Tailoring can often get a bad rap for feeling a little "samey" (likely because each season repeats the same waistcoats and peg trousers), but 2025 is all about making your "luxe" feel laid-back. Forget pinstripes and heels; those in the know are wearing smart tailoring with flats, unbuttoning collars and adding caps and T-shirts into the mix too. Think blazers with trainers, shirts with denim and pencil skirts with hoodies. The attitude is off-duty cool, made up of mix-and-match separates that can be dressed up or down with just a change of a shoe.
How To Wear It: A great button-down shirt is the foundation of this look, and whether you wear it with jeans, long skirts or tailored trousers, keep it feeling fresh with an easy flat and mini bag that won't weigh you down on weekends.
3. THE SWEET LIFE
Style Notes: Haven't managed to get away on holiday yet? Step aside cottagecore; our mood boards are suddenly full of Sofia Loren, Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, cat-eye sunglasses and silk headscarves. On the runways, Dolce & Gabbana, Vivetta and Sonia Rykiel were all about high-waisted pencil skirts and shorts, babydoll twin sets and lace, pulling together a "ladylike" aesthetic perfect for spring. Could this be 2025's sexier answer to the far more floaty bohemian revival? We're keeping our eyes peeled.
How To Wear It: Make the most of ultra-feminine silhouettes in a monochrome colour palette for a summery take on winter's "office siren". Opt for cinched waists and cute layers finished with a pointy slingback or '60s-inspired open-toe mule.
4. WHITE SHOES
Style Notes: Granted, they might not be the most practical trend, but the S/S 25 runways were full of bright white heels and court shoes in all shapes and sizes—an undeniable sign that summer is on the horizon. Now that it's almost time to pack away our UGGs for another year, nothing says "sunny season" quite like these attention-grabbing shoes, and they just so happen to go with everything from pretty dresses to the aforementioned languid tailoring. Before you ask, no—these are not going to replace classic black sandals (as if anything ever could), but they are a fresh alternative for those looking for a fashion-forward option that pairs incredibly well with a tan.
How To Wear It: These shoes are made for talking, so scale back the rest of your outfit to tonal layers to give them maximum air time. They are surprisingly versatile in all designs, but the style set seems particularly drawn to those with retro appeal.
5. POLKA-DOT SPOTS
Style Notes: Polka dots have given us a few noteworthy fashion moments over the years, most memorably Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, Princess Diana at Ascot and that Zara maxi dress, but it still manages to have twee connotations that often make people think of Minnie Mouse. In 2025, there have emerged two approaches to the spotty print that we find infinitely chicer. For starters, there's the Acne take: polka dots clashed with checks, supersized into voluminous tops and shrunk down on pretty miniskirts. Then there's the Parisian approach—strappy slips and tea dresses that are the staple of the French girl's spring/summer wardrobe. Either way, polka dots are anything boring and feel particularly fresh against cream and rich brown. Just don't forget your chunky hoop earrings and an almond-toe pump.
How To Wear It: 2025 is the year of the print clash, so whether you pair them with checks, animal prints or stripes, keep spots interesting with unexpected patterns.
